Unseen Norms in Early 1960s Television: Smoking and Bathrooms
The early 1960s were a period of significant social and cultural transformation. Despite smoking being a socially accepted norm, it was surprisingly absent from many popular television shows. Similarly, the every-day activity of using the bathroom was often ignored in scripts, as were meals. This article explores the reasons behind these omissions and their reflections on societal norms, health concerns, and the evolving nature of television as a medium.
Smoking in the Early 1960s
The absence of smoking in many early 1960s television shows, despite it being socially accepted, can be attributed to multiple factors. As television was becoming a powerful medium, there was a growing awareness of its influence on public behavior and attitudes. Networks and producers recognized that depictions of smoking could impact audiences, particularly children. This awareness led to a more cautious approach in media representations.
By the early 1960s, the health risks associated with smoking were starting to receive more attention. The 1964 Surgeon General's report on smoking and health marked a pivotal moment that began to shift public perception. Although the report was released after the Dick Van Dyke Show aired from 1961-1966, the discourse around smoking was evolving. This shift in societal attitudes led to more restrained portrayals of smoking in media.
The Dick Van Dyke Show often aimed to portray a wholesome image of family life. While characters might mention smoking or be portrayed as smokers, the actual act of smoking was often downplayed or omitted. This was done to maintain a certain image and appeal to a broader audience. The television industry also had self-imposed standards and practices that guided content. These standards sometimes limited the portrayal of smoking to avoid glamorizing it or to comply with network policies that sought to promote healthier lifestyles.
Unshowed Norms: Bathrooms and Meals
In addition to the absence of smoking, the daily activities of using the bathroom and eating meals were also often omitted in scripts. Using the toilet was a socially accepted norm, but it was rarely shown on screen unless it was necessary to the plot. Entire episodes of television shows might have passed without a character taking a bathroom break. Similarly, meals were sometimes portrayed, but they were often off-screen or implied rather than shown in detail.
Cultural shifts were also a factor in these omissions. While smoking was common in society, there was a growing segment of the population that was beginning to question its acceptability. Television creators often aimed to reflect or shape societal values, which could lead to more restrained portrayals of smoking and other behaviors. The same logic applied to bathroom use and meal times. These activities were often seen as mundane and repetitive, not necessarily central to the plot or character development.
Evolving TV as a Medium
The absence of certain norms in early 1960s television reflects a complex interplay between societal norms, emerging health concerns, and the evolving nature of television as a medium. As television became more influential, producers took seriously the responsibility to represent behavior in a way that could impact public opinion.
By examining these omissions, we can better understand the social context of the time. The Dick Van Dyke Show, while representing a wholesome, idealized family, also reflected a society grappling with new health concerns and changing cultural norms. Similarly, the omission of everyday activities like using the toilet or eating meals tells a story about how television was evolving, where it was headed, and the societal values it aimed to reflect or shape.